Journey to the Last Frontier

Since a polar expedition is something that you might experience only once in a lifetime, you’ll want it to be perfect. Whether you’re exploring the far reaches of the Arctic Circle or the vast continent of Antarctica, you’ll want to be led by seasoned explorers who still experience the curiosity and excitement of visiting these wild and wonderful places for the first time. You’ll also want to be in safe, expert hands. After all, you’ll be traveling to some of the world’s most hard-to-reach locations. And you’ll want trailblazing guides who go the extra mile, pushing further and showing you something others simply can’t.

Back in 1991, adventurers Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell set out to visit the North Pole, one of the few places they had never seen—and they were awestruck by the unspoiled beauty and sheer majesty of the Arctic. Ever since then, Quark Expeditions team members have been sharing their passion for the pure and beautiful Polar Regions, and along the way, they’ve achieved an unprecedented series of firsts in polar exploration. What they want most is for you to have the trip of a lifetime, no matter which amazing adventure you choose.

THE GREAT WHITE CONTINENT

Vast and awe-inspiring, Antarctica is one of the last true wilderness areas on earth. Penguins, seals, and whales are the only permanent residents here in this place that’s largely unchanged since the days of the early explorers. Descriptions can’t quite do justice to the dreamlike experience of seeing this majestic continent for yourself.

In Antarctica, the natural environment is magnificent and expansive. Gaze up at immense icebergs and out over seemingly limitless expanses of ice. Explore archipelagos rich in wildlife. Since many species of penguin call these islands home, you can observe colonies of chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie penguins, and visit the king penguin rookeries of South Georgia, known as the “Galapagos of the Poles.” As you explore, you’ll also learn about Antarctica’s history and the people who’ve been irresistibly drawn to this icy land. After witnessing it firsthand, you might find yourself planning another polar expedition too.

SPITSBERGEN

To see the rugged mountains, sprawling tundra, immense glaciers and spectacular fjords of the Arctic up close, set sail for Spitsbergen. The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, it’s one of the world’s best places to observe polar bears and walrus in their natural habitat—you’ll spot whales, seals and seabirds, too. Zip ashore on a Zodiac and look for reindeer and Arctic fox during a tundra hike, or paddle a kayak through the remote area’s iceberg-dotted waters.

Spitsbergen has been documented since the time of the Vikings, and was home to 16th century whaling stations; in fact, the remains of old encampments are still here, including blubber ovens, harpoons and whale bones. And as it’s located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, this has been a classic staging point for Arctic expeditions in days gone by. With all of this natural beauty, history and adventure, Spitsbergen is the polar opposite of your average island getaway.

NORTH POLE

Few people can claim they stood at the top of the world. If you’d like to join this short list of lucky travelers, take your own trip to 90°N. From Helsinki, you’ll fly to Murmansk, Russia and board 50 Years of Victory, the world’s largest, most powerful nuclear icebreaker. As the ship crushes its way through the thick ice, enjoy tasty meals, fascinating presentations, Zodiak cruises and possible polar bear and walrus sightings. For a real thrill, hop on Victory’s helicopter for some sightseeing over the ship and the vast Arctic Ocean.

After you conquer the legendary North Pole, your return voyage includes an exploration of Arctic Circle flora and fauna—as well as the historic remains of previous unsuccessful polar expeditions—during a visit to the Franz Josef Land archipelago. For true adventurers, there just aren’t many places with the enduring allure and magical pull of the iconic North Pole, and it doesn’t have to stay on your wish list. It’s an exhilarating, real-life experience that you won’t want to miss.